2014 toyota sienna Reviews and News

2014 Toyota Sienna

By
Austin Lott
- 02/27/2015

New for 2014

The Toyota Sienna enters the 2014 model year with several changes to standard and available equipment: for the SE trim level the blind spot monitor system is now a standalone option, previously it was only available as part of an options package. The blind spot monitor, which includes cross-traffic alert, remains a standard option on the Limited trim level. The tow prep package has been made standard equipment for all models, which allows owner to tow a trailer up to 3,500 pounds.

Vehicle Overview

The Toyota Sienna is the automaker’s minivan that can haul up to eight people, which sits alongside the Highlander in the lineup. The Sienna is the only vehicle in its class to offer an optional all-wheel drive.

Summary

The 2014 Toyota Sienna comes with a 266-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 245 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed automatic, and with the option of all-wheel drive over the standard front-wheel drive -- unique to the Sienna in its class. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 16-18/23-25, with a slight penalty for AWD. The Sienna can be optioned with an eighth seat, which stows to the left of the cargo area and can be deployed between the second-row seats when needed.

The 2014 Toyota Sienna received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars), and earned a rating of good for four categories of IIHS testing (the highest-possible rating is good).

What We Think

In a 2011 comparison among the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, and Chrysler Town & Country, the Sienna’s smooth drivetrain helped it to stand out amongst its peers. We praised the Sienna for its quality ride and steering feel, but noted, “Both the Honda and the Toyota can seat eight, but if you're planning to use the middle-row center seat, the Odyssey provides a wider, more comfortable chair… The outboard seats, however, are most comfortable in the Toyota, with generous padding and a nice contour to the seat bottoms.”

“The fact that the Sienna's second-row seatbacks don't fold forward is also frustrating. Instead, the bottom cushions tip up and the chairs slide forward into a clumsy storage mode. For heavy hauling, the bucket seats can, thankfully, be removed,” we said. “[The Sienna is] a better driver with an excellent, practical interior, and, at a $3388 as-tested discount versus the Odyssey, it's also a better value."

You’ll Like

Smooth powertrain

Available AWD

Sliding second-row seats

You Won’t Like

Fitting someone in the middle second-row seat

Awkward second row for large cargo loads

Questionable interior material choices

Key Competitors

Honda Odyssey

Nissan Quest

Chrysler Town & Country

Dodge Grand Caravan

Rating

4

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Recalls

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Sienna vehicles manufactured June 17, 2014, through June 24, 2014. The affected vehicles have a transmission shift control cable whose protective cable sleeve may have been damaged during assembly. This could cause the control cable to bind or separate during gear shift operation causing incorrect gear selection. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."

Consequences

If the transmission shift cable separates while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmission shift control cable, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in early August 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Potential Units Affected

263

Notes

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Summary

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Sienna, and Highlander and model year 2015 Lexus RX350 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment.

Consequences

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the suspect fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during November 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.